Cross trainer

ABSTRACT

The invention is an effort-measuring apparatus for extending the capabilities of a balance-and-weight sensing platform, such as the Wii Balance Board. The apparatus has a base unit configured to securely hold a balance and weight sensing platform and has anchor point to which a resistance mechanism is attached. A user positioned on the secured balance and weight sensing platform may exert a force on a resistance mechanism that will be sensed by the balance and weight sensing platform, along with any apparent shift in a center of balance occasioned by the force. These measurements are wirelessly transmitted to a computer and used to integrate the user&#39;s exertions into a game or an exercise routine. The effort measuring support may include anchor extensions that serve both as an anchor points for the resistance mechanism and as legs to provide additional stability.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 61/311,463 filed Mar. 8, 2010, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a strength building exercise device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an effort measuring support intended as an extension to a balance and weight sensing platform such as, but not limited to, the balance and weight sensing platform included with a popular gaming system, the Wii Balance Board and the Wii Fit, the “Cross Trainer” It may also be used in conjunction with balance and weight sensing platforms used for aerobic step exercises, or any similar platform or base. While an exercise platform provides for aerobic and lower body exercises, the base supports a full range strength workout.

The Wii Balance Board is device that measures a user's center of balance and weight. The measurement is transmitted wirelessly to a computer controlling a monitor. These measurements can then be used to have the user interact with a game or exercise routine. For example, the user can pretend to be snow boarding down a hill. The Balance Board will sense how they are changing there position, and the computer game will use these measurements to calculate how the user is travelling down the hill, and display these results as a graphic on a video monitor.

The Wii Balance Board is shaped like a household body scale, with a plain white top and light gray bottom. It runs on four AA batteries as a power source, which can power the board for about 60 hours. The board contains multiple pressure sensors that are used to measure the user's center of balance—the location of the intersection between an imaginary line drawn vertically through the center of mass and the surface of the Balance Board—and weight. The Balance Board uses Bluetooth technology to transmit this data to a game computer so that the user may interact with a game or exercise routine.

The present invention is a peripheral unit, or add-on, for such a Wii Balance Board. The effort measuring support of the present invention enables the Wii Balance Board to additionally measure an effort, or force, that a user applies to a resistance element. This additional capability transforms the Wii Balance Board, or any similar stationary board, into a complete workout station. A preferred embodiment of the present invention allows for 360-degree range of motion against resistance elements. It may also allow the use of adjustable and interchangeable resistance bands. The “Cross Trainer” still maintains a single focal point (the TV) and is easy to assemble and use. The device allows user to experience 80+ types of strength training exercises. These exercises allow the user to go beyond cardio workouts and build and strengthen muscles, and generally tone the user's body. The effort measuring support 10 preferably has strong, durable elastic tubing for resistance elements and may be equipped with an interchangeable tubing system allowing the user to easily change the resistance level for different exercises.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a effort measuring support that is intended as an extension to a balance and weight sensing platform, such as, but not limited to, the Wii Balance Board.

In a preferred embodiment, the balance and weight sensing platform may have a base unit, that is configured in size and shape to securely and stably hold a balance and weight sensing platform such as, but not limited to, the Wii Balance Board.

The base unit may have at least one anchor point to which a resistance mechanism may be attached. With the balance and weight sensing platform secured by the base unit of the effort measuring support, a user positioned on the balance and weight sensing platform may exert a force on the resistance mechanism. The balance and weight sensing platform, i.e., the Wii Balance Board may sense the magnitude of that exerted force and may also sense any apparent shift in a center of balance occasioned by the force being exerted by the user. These measurements may, for instance, be wirelessly transmitted to a computer and used to integrate the user's exertions into a game or an exercise routine in a manner similar to how the weight and center of balance are integrated into such programs.

In a further, preferred embodiment, the effort measuring support may include at least one anchor extension. The anchor extension may serve both as an anchor point for the resistance mechanism and as a leg to provide additional stability.

The anchor extension may be attached, or secured, to the base unit. The anchor extension may be adjustable to be aligned at from 0 to 360 degree with respect to an edge of the center base.

The present invention converts a balance and weight sensing platform, such as the Wii Balance Board, into a strength training workout console that is sufficiently versatile, to allow a variety of muscle groups to be exercised using one device.

It is an object of the invention to provide a means for strengthening a variety of muscle groups using a single device.

It is an object of the invention to provide a machine for strengthening the abdominal muscles, the upper body, and the lower body.

It is an object of the invention to provide a versatile strength training workout console/station that is easy to use and adjust.

It is an object of the invention to provide a strength training workout console/station that is easily stored and transported.

It is an object of the invention to provide a strength training workout console/station that can be easily customized to the size of the user.

It is an object of the invention to provide a strength training workout console/station that can be easily customized to the needs of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the effort measuring support of the present invention.

FIG. 2 a is a view of the unit showing independent positioning of the anchor extension of the present invention.

FIG. 2 b is a view of the unit showing the length adjustment of the anchor extensions of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the current invention.

FIG. 4 a is an exploded view showing the bottom surface of the present invention.

FIG. 4 b is an exploded bottom view showing an alternative anchor extension.

FIG. 5 is an exploded top view of the present invention having a hinged base.

FIG. 6 is an exploded of the resistance mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view of the holding part of the resistance mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of the base unit of the present invention.

FIGS. 9 a-9 c are examples of different exercise routines that are made possible with various embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.

FIG. 1 shows an effort measuring support 10 of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the effort measuring support 10 has a base unit 20, a top surface of a weight sensor 30, anchor points 40, a top surface 50 of the anchor extension 80, a bottom surface 60 of the anchor extension 80, a resistance mechanism 70, an anchor extension 80, a balance and weight sensing platform 100, a handle clamp 120, an elastic cord 130, a first end 140 of the elastic cord 130, a second end 150 of the elastic cord 130, a connecting bar 190 and a stirrup handle 200.

The effort measuring support 10 shown in the drawings contains a base unit 20 for accommodating a second device such as, but not limited to, the weight sensing platform 100. The base unit 20 may also accommodate at least one anchor extension 80. Preferably there may be four such anchor extensions 80. The base unit 20 and/or the anchor extensions 80 may contain anchor points 40 and immobilizing recesses 180 (FIGS. 3-5). The anchor points 40 may be used for securing a resistance mechanism 70 to the anchor extensions 80, while the immobilizing recesses 180 (FIG. 2) are intended to receive the legs or supports of a balance and weight sensing platform 100, such as, but not limited to, Nintendo's Wii® Exercise Board. The anchor extensions 80 may also serve as stabilizing legs for the balance and weight sensing platform 100.

The resistance mechanism 70 is shown anchored to the anchor points 40, on the top surface 50 of the anchor extension 80. The anchor points 40 are preferably disposed as far towards the terminal ends 55 of the anchor extension 80 as reasonably possible. Such a disposition may create the greatest leverage and stability of the present invention without undermining the structural integrity of the anchor extension 80 or the base unit 20. The resistance mechanism 70 is made up of elastic cords 130, which are preferably rubber or silicon tubes. However, additional elastic cords 130 may be attached to any unused anchor points 40. The elastic cord 130 may, for instance, be any suitable elastic material or device such as, but not limited to, metal springs (not shown). Preferably, there may be at least one elastic cord 130 per anchor extension 80, for a total of four elastic cords 130. Alternatively, either some or all of the elastic cord 130 may be attached to the base unit 20.

Stirrups 200 may be attached to the second end 150 of the cords 170. Alternatively, holding loops 110 (FIGS. 6 and 7) may be used instead of stirrups 200. The location of the stirrups 200 along the cords 130 may be adjustable by moving the clamp 120 up or down the length of the tube or cord 130.

The present invention may additionally provide a bar 190. Preferably the bar 190 is hollow and open on both ends 192. Alternatively, the bar 190 may be solid either partially or completely. The bar 190 may be attached directly to at least one, but preferably two cords 130. For example, this may be achieved if the bar 190 contains openings or loops (not shown) into which the cord 130 may be inserted and then secured with a set screw or a clamp (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, each holding loop may contain a connector 194 that can be inserted into a hollow space at each end 192 of the bar 190. Such a connector 194 may additionally contain snaps, friction bearings or protrusions, to resist detachment from the bar 190. The connectors 194 may also be on the ends 192 of the bar 190, and may be inserted into the hollow portion 116 of a gripping section 114 (FIG. 6). The length of the bar 190 may be between 1 to 2 feet. The purpose of the bar 190 is to link two or more cords 130 together, thus providing a two handed synchronized extension and contraction workout. The bar 190 may be made of metal, plastic, wood, a polymer, or a composite material.

A Wii Balance Board contains multiple pressure sensors that are used to measure a user's center of balance—the location of the intersection between an imaginary line drawn vertically through the center of mass and the surface of the Balance Board—and weight. The Balance Board uses Bluetooth technology to transmit this data to a game computer so that the user may interact with a game or exercise routine.

The effort measuring support 10 enables a balance and weight sensing platform 100 such as, but not limited to, the Wii Balance Board, to additionally measure an effort, or force, that a user applies to a resistance element.

This additional capability transforms the Wii Balance Board, or any similar station.

With the balance and weight sensing platform 100 secured by the base unit 20 of the effort measuring support 10, a user positioned on the balance and weight sensing platform 100 may exert a force on the resistance mechanism 70. The balance and weight sensing platform 100, i.e., the Wii Balance Board, may sense the magnitude of that exerted force and may also sense any apparent shift in a center of balance occasioned by the force being exerted by the user. These measurements may, for instance, be wirelessly transmitted to a computer and used to integrate the user's exertions into a game or an exercise routine in a manner similar to how the weight and center of balance are integrated into such programs.

One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that, although the present invention has been described with respect to a device having resistance mechanisms 70 that are elastic cords 130, a non-elastic cord may also be used to perform isometric type exercises.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b illustrate a preferred adjustment capability of the anchor extensions 80. Also shown are a effort measuring support 10, a base unit 20, a top surface 30 of a balance and weight sensing platform 100, anchor points 40, a top surface 50 of the anchor extension 80, a bottom surface 60 of the anchor extension 80, a anchor extension 80, and a balance and weight sensing platform 100. Each anchor extension 80 may have a connecting end 53 of the anchor extension 80 and a terminal end 55 of the anchor extension 80. The connecting end 53 of the anchor extension 80 may, for instance, be attached to the base unit 20. The attachment may be accomplished with an appropriate connector such as, but not limited to, tabs, snaps, a combination connector, such as a rail and groove a a rail with wheels or some combination thereof. Any of these attachments may preferably enable a multiplicity of positions as indicated by the arrows 86. The anchor extensions 80 may, for instance, be rotatable from 0 to 360 degrees about the base unit 20, either in concert or independently of each other. The rotation may be clockwise or counter clockwise. The rotation may be required to carry on with a particular exercise, improve stability of the effort measuring support 10, or for storage. The anchor extensions 80 may be readily detachable for portability, storage, and reconfiguration.

FIG. 2 a shows multiple anchor points 40 disposed on the top surface 50 of the anchor extension 80. Multiple anchor points 40 improve adjustability of the resistance mechanism 70 (FIG. 1). Multiple anchor points 40 may be disposed in any configuration on the top or sides of the anchor extension 80. Anchor points may also be attached to the sides of the base unit 20 or anchor extension 80, or to the bottom surface 60 of the anchor extension 80. An anchor point 40 may also be mounted within a groove or a rail, which would enable the anchor point 40 to slide closer to the balance and weight sensing platform 100 or further away from it. The anchor points 40 may preferably be loops that are attached to the top surface 50 of the leg extensions 80 or the base unit 20. The attachment may be with an adhesive, rivets, or fasteners, or some combination thereof. Alternative anchor points 40 may be embodied in a clasp, a hook, or a recessed rod

FIG. 2 b shows that all or some of the length of the anchor extension 80 may be adjustable. The anchor extension 80 may be made of a top part 83 and a bottom part 84. The top and bottom parts may be slidedly connected with each other, thus enabling the bottom part 84 to telescopically extent or contact with respect to the top part 83. The bottom part 84 and/or the top part 83 may also contain additional telescoping sections (not shown) to enable a more compact contraction or a longer extension.

FIG. 3 is and exploded perspective top view of an effort measuring support 10 of the present invention. Shown as part of the effort measuring support 10 are a base unit 20, anchor points 40, a top surface 50 of the anchor extension 80, a bottom surface 60 of the anchor extension 80, a resistance mechanism 70, anchor extension 80, an anchor extension attachment 90, and a immobilizing recess 180. The top surface 50 of the anchor extension 80 or the base unit 20 may contain immobilizing recesses 180 to admit leg supports of a balance and weight sensing platform 100 (FIG. 1). These immobilizing recesses 180 may be circular or may be embodied in any other shape. Preferably, the immobilizing recesses 180 should be at least 1 inch wide 182, and are preferably matched reasonably closely to the dimensions of support of the balance and weight sensing platform 10. The immobilizing recesses 180 may be openings in the top part 83, but may also traverse the bottom part 84. Alternatively, joints, sockets, hooks or other types of attachments or adapters may be used to immobilize the balance and weight sensing platform 100. A simple recess may be sufficient however, since there is little likelihood of an upward pull on the balance and weight sensing platform 100. However, if such an upward force becomes probable in an alternative embodiment of the invention, then a more secure connection may be used.

Preferably there are at least four immobilizing recesses 180, one in each of the four anchor extensions 80. The immobilizing recesses 180 may also, or instead, be present in the base unit 20, as shown in FIG. 8. Preferably, there may be a distance 184 between the anchor points 40 and the immobilizing recesses 180, so that the anchors 40 would remain exposed after the balance and weight sensing platform 100 is installed.

The base unit 20 and the anchor extension 80 are preferably on the same horizontal plane with each other and are laid flat on a supporting surface, such as a floor. The base unit 20 may be cubic, elliptical or octagonal or any other shape. The preferred shape is octagonal, as shown. The area of the base unit 20 may be between one to three square feet.

The anchor extension attachment 90 may, for instance, be accomplished using a snap joint. For a snap joint enabled anchor extension attachment 90, the connecting end 53 may, for instance, contain a tab or tongue that corresponds to a socket or a clasp on the base 20. Alternatively, the position of the tab and socket or clasp may be reversed. The mating between the circumference 22 of the base unit 20 and the connecting end 53 may be slidable, so that the anchor extension 80 may slide along a groove or rail while still attached to the base 20. Alternatively, the anchor extension 80 may be detached and reattached at any point along the circumference 22 of the base unit 20. In the preferred embodiment, the base unit 20 is octagonal, with anchor extension 80 being affixed to four of the 8 faces 24 of the octagonal base unit 20.

The anchor extensions 80 are preferably between 1 and 3 feet in length. The anchor extension 80 may be extendable by at least another foot as shown in FIG. 2 b. It may also be preferable if the anchor extension 80 have the same thickness 82 as the base 20. The preferable thickness of the effort measuring support 10 may be between 0.5 of an inch to 3 inches. For aesthetic or structural reasons, the terminal ends 55 may be squared off as shown, or rounded as illustrated in FIG. 4 b.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b illustrate an exploded diagram, showing a bottom perspective view of the effort measuring support 10 of the present invention. Shown as part of the effort measuring support 10 are a base unit 20, a top surface 50 of the anchor extension 80, a bottom surface 60 of the anchor extension 80, anchor extension 80, a balance and weight sensing platform 100, platform legs 102, and a immobilizing recess 180. The bottom surface 60 of the anchor extension 80 may contain frictional elements or legs (not shown). The immobilizing recess 180 is shown traversing the entire width of the anchor extension 80.

FIG. 4 b illustrates an alternative attachment of the anchor extensions 80 to the base unit 20 using an elongated tab 92. Also illustrated in FIG. 4 b is a bottom of the balance and weight sensing platform 100, with legs 102 inserted into immobilizing recesses 180. Such an elongated tab 92 would then be inserted into a recessed socket within the base unit 20. Alternatively, the elongated tab 92 may be attached to the base unit 20 with a hinge (not shown). In such an embodiment, an anchor extension 80 may swing downwards so that it can turn clockwise or counter-clockwise to then be reinserted into a vacant recess further along the circumference 22 of the base unit20

FIG. 5 is another exploded diagram, showing the top view of the preferred embodiment of the effort measuring support 10 of the present invention. The base unit 20 contains a hinge 24 that enables the base unit 20 to be folded in half. One skilled in the art would readily appreciate that the effort measuring support 10 may be easily disassembled for portability and storage. For example, the resistance mechanism 70 (FIG. 1) may be detached from the anchor points 40. The anchor extension 80 may be detached from the base unit 20, and the base unit20 may be folded. These components take up very little space disassembled, stacked and set aside. Additionally, a pouch or a carrying case may be provided to easily store and transport the various components of the present invention.

Individual parts of the present invention may be made from any material, including but not limited to: plastics and resins including but not limited to plastic, rubber, foam, silicone, ABS, Polycarbonate, Noryl™, PVC, Polystryrene, ABS/PVC, PVC/Acrylic, Polysulfone, Acrylic, Polyethylene, Kydex™, PETG; glass, including but not limited to fiberglass, borosilicate, or quartz; wood; metals, including but not limited to iron, tin, aluminum, copper; rubber including but not limited to natural rubber, SBR, Isoprene rubber, Butadiene rubber, and Chloroprene rubber; or any combinations or composites of these materials or other materials and new materials that may be manufactured in the future. Various parts of the present invention may be manufactured using identical or different materials. An optimal stretch resistance force of the resistance mechanism 70 may be achieved by using synthetic or natural fibers, rubber or silicone, or any combination of these materials for the elastic cord 130 or the holding loops 110.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the individual parts of the preferred resistance mechanism 70. Shown is a holding loop 110, a handle clamp 120, a elastic cord 130, a first end 140 of the elastic cord 130, a second end 150 of the elastic cord 130, and a fastener 160. The resistance mechanism 70 is made up of at least one elastic cord 130, which is preferably a rubberized tube or a metallic spring. Preferably, there may are at least two such cords 130. The resistance mechanism 70 builds muscle strength through isotonic training, by providing a resistance force against stretching of the elastic cord 130. A typical workout may, for instance, include repetitive curling and relaxing of the skeletal muscles against extension resistance of the elastic cord 130.

Each elastic cord 130 may be made of rubber, silicone or a stretchable polymeric substance, or any other material that is capable of stretching without tearing or breaking. The elastic cords 130 may, for instance, be hollow or solid. The first end 140 of an elastic cord 130 preferably contains a fastener 160, such as a clip, a hook or a buckle. The fastener 160 may be secured to an anchor point 40 (FIG. 1). Alternatively, the first end 140 of a cord 130 may be coiled around, or inserted into a ring or a clamp of an anchor point 40.

The second end 150 of the cord 130 may be used for attaching a holding loop 110. The holding loop 110 can be tied or otherwise attached anywhere along the length of the cord 130. There may be two or three loops 110 attached to each cold 130. The holding loops 110 may be stirrup handles 200 (FIG. 1). For a more comfortable use, a holding loop 110 may have a length of a strap forming a loop 112 inserted into the hollow portion 116 of the gripping section 114.

Preferably, the holding loop 110 may be used in combination with a clamp 120. The preferred clamp 120 has an opening 122 for the cord 130, and a pin 124 for retaining the strap 112. The opening 122 for the cord 130 would intersect with a chamber 129 containing a toothed wheel. The toothed wheel may be mounded on a rod 126. The chamber 129 may be visible from the outside through two elongated slots 128 that run alongside the chamber 129. The slots 128 are also parallel to each other and are used to retain a rod 126. The chamber 129 and slots 128 are preferably disposed at an angle 121 relative to the cord 130. The angle 121 may preferably be between 90 and 45 degrees.

To adjust the clamp 120, the clamp wheel is moved away from the inserted cord 130, thus enabling the clamp 120 to slide along the length of cord 130. The clamp 120 is then secured in place by driving the rod 126, containing the toothed wheel, snugly against the side of the cord 130. The clamp 120 is self locking due to the presence of the angle 121. The angle 121 causes the teeth of the wheel clamp to burrow deeper into the side of the cord 130 when the cord is stretched using the holding loop 110.

In one preferred embodiment, the clamp 120 is used as an attachment point for the holding loop 110. The clamp 120 may also be used to attach the cord 130 to the base unit 20 or to a leg extension 80. In this embodiment, the clamp 120 may utilize a fastener 160 to connect to an anchor point 40. The elastic cord 130 would then be inserted into the opening 122 of this clamp 120. A holding loop 110 may then be attached along the length of the cord 130 using a second clamp 120 such as shown in FIG. 6 or 7. The holding loop 110 may also be attached directly to the cord 130, without using the clamp 120.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. Shown as part of the effort measuring support 10 are a base unit 20, a balance and weight sensing platform 100, anchor points 40, a top surface 50 of the anchor extension 80, a bottom surface 60 of the base unit 20, and carrying handles 65. In this embodiment, the base unit 20 is larger, but does not contain anchor extensions 80 but does contain anchor points 40 that may be disposed in a vicinity of a terminal end of said base unit 20. The carrying handles 65 may be attached to the top surface 50 of the base unit 20 or may be embodied in slits. The anchor points 40 may be used to attach the resistance mechanism 70 just like in the preferred embodiment (FIG. 1). This embodiment of the effort measuring support 10 may also feature a foldable base unit 20.

FIGS. 9 a-9 c provide examples of exercise routines that may be done using the present invention. The resistance mechanism 70 may be used by itself or in combination with the video game software provided with by the Nintendo® gaming system, or an equivalent gaming system. In a combination mode, the present invention is designed to add strength training to aerobic exercises provided by the game software. Alternatively, the present invention may be compatible with other platforms that are used for aerobic exercises, such as a stepping platform.

In FIG. 9 a a user is standing upright on top of the top surface 30 of a balance and weight sensing platform 100 of with their arms extended sideways in triceps or oblique training exercise. By crisscrossing the cords that are shown as tubes 170, the user achieves a greater degree of resistance supplied by cords.

In FIG. 9 b the user is sitting on top of the balance and weight sensing platform 100 and trains their back and abdominal muscles against the resistance force supplied by the elastic cord 130. In FIG. 9 c the leg muscles are being conditioned in an enhanced stepping exercise. One skilled in the art would appreciate that many other conditioning routines are possible.

Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. 

1. An effort measuring support for a balance and weight sensing platform, comprising: a base unit, said base unit configured in size and shape to securely and stably hold said balance and weight sensing platform; at least one anchor point disposed on said base in a vicinity of a terminal end of said base unit; and a resistance mechanism attached at a first end by a fastener to said anchor point such that when a user positioned on said balance and weight sensing platform exerts a force on a holding loop attached to a second end of said resistance mechanism said balance and weight sensing platform senses said exerted force and said balance and weight sensing platform senses an apparent shift in a center of balance occasioned by said exerted force.
 2. The support device of claim 1 wherein said sensed exerted force and said apparent shift in a center of balance are wirelessly conveyed to a computer using a BlueTooth compatible wireless protocol.
 3. The support device of claim 1, further comprising at least one anchor extension, said anchor extension being attached to said base, and said anchor extensions being capable of multiplicity of positions.
 4. The support device of claim 2, wherein said anchor points are disposed on said anchor extension.
 5. The support device of claim 1, wherein said resistance mechanism is at least one elastic cord.
 6. The support device of claim 5, wherein said holding loops attach to said clamp, said clamp capable of slidebly affixing to said cord.
 7. The support device of claim 1, wherein said resistance mechanism is at least one resistance tube, said resistance tube made of a stretchable polymer.
 8. The support device of claim 1, further comprising at least two immobilizing recess, said immobilizing recesses being sized and space for immobilizing said balance and weight sensing platform.
 9. The support device of claim 1, wherein said base unit is foldable.
 10. The support device of claim 1, further comprising a bar, said bar capable of attaching to said resistance mechanism.
 11. The support device of claim 5, further comprising a bar, said bar capable of being mounted between two said holding loops.
 12. The support device of claim 2, wherein said anchor extensions are capable of detaching from said base.
 13. A support device comprising: a base unit; at least two anchor extensions, said anchor extensions being removably attached to said base unit, and said anchor extensions being capable of being removable attached in a multiplicity of orientations with respect to said base unit; said anchor extensions sized and shaped to hold a balance and weight sensing platform; at least one anchor point disposed in a vicinity of a terminal end of on of said anchor extensions; a resistance mechanism, removably attached at a first end by a fastener to said anchor point; and at least one holding loop, said holding loop attaching to said resistance mechanism at a second end.
 14. The support device of claim 13, wherein said holding loop is capable of attaching to a clamp, said clamp slidadly connected to said resistance mechanism.
 15. The support device of claim 13, wherein said resistance mechanism is at least one elastic cord, said elastic cord having a first end and a second end, said first end having a fastener for connecting to said plurality of attachments, said second end disposed within said clamp.
 16. The support device of claim 13, further comprising a bar, said bar attaching to said resistance mechanism.
 17. The support device of claim 16, wherein said bar is attaching to two holding loops. 